If you’ve ever craved a dish that perfectly balances tender, savory beef with crisp, vibrant broccoli, you’re going to love this Beef and Broccoli Recipe. It’s a fantastic fusion of bold Asian flavors and simple home cooking that comes together quickly, delivering a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. What makes this Beef and Broccoli Recipe so irresistible is its perfect harmony of marinade, sauce, and fresh ingredients that create a symphony of tastes and textures you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and dishes arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients for cooking. In the center is a white bowl filled with raw bright red beef strips. Below this is a gray bowl with green broccoli florets. Surrounding these are small bowls with various spices and liquids: light yellow shredded ginger in two bowls at top and right, a small bowl of white powder above the beef, a small green dish with salt and black pepper to the left, and different sauces and seeds like golden oil, dark soy sauce, sesame seeds, light brown sugar, and a reddish-brown sauce in a white jug. The set up is neat and bright, showing clear textures of fresh and raw ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Beef and Broccoli Recipe. Every component, from the fresh broccoli to the marinade and sauce elements, plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish truly memorable.

1 ½ lbs flank steak thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing flank steak ensures tender, flavorful beef that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
2 tbsp frying oil: A neutral oil helps you achieve that perfect sear without overpowering the beef’s flavor.
1 cup broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli brings crunch and a vibrant green contrast to the dish.
1 tbsp sesame seeds for serving: Toast these lightly to add a subtle nutty finish and beautiful appearance.
Marinade – 1 tsp brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce.
Marinade – 4 tbsp soy sauce: Provides rich umami depth to the beef before cooking.
Marinade – 1 tsp cornstarch: Helps tenderize the meat and gives the marinade a slight thickness.
Marinade – 1 tsp lemon juice: Brightens flavors and tenderizes the steak gently.
Sauce – 1 tsp grated ginger root: Adds warmth and a touch of spicy aroma to the sauce.
Sauce – 3 cloves of grated garlic: Infuses the sauce with robust, savory notes.
Sauce – ⅓ cup beef broth: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
Sauce – 1 tsp brown sugar: Balances saltiness with a touch of sweet harmony.
Sauce – 6 tbsp soy sauce: Gives the sauce its signature savory kick.
Sauce – 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
Sauce – 1 tbsp sesame oil: Brings a nutty, aromatic richness that ties the sauce together.
Sauce – ⅕ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming them.
Sauce – ⅕ tsp pepper: Adds just enough heat to awaken your palate.

How to Make Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by mixing the brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir well to break up any lumps from the cornstarch so the marinade is silky smooth. Toss the thinly sliced flank steak into the marinade, ensuring every piece is well coated. Let it rest for about 15 minutes. This simple step not only flavors the beef to the bone but also helps tenderize it, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

Heat frying oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes, just until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. This quick cooking locks in freshness and color, giving you the perfect texture contrast for your dish. Once done, transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside to prevent overcooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a deep bowl, combine the grated ginger, garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This sauce will become the luscious, glossy coating that brings the beef and broccoli together in savory harmony.

Step 4: Sear the Beef

Add a bit more frying oil to your hot pan and flash-fry the marinated beef over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally to brown the strips evenly. Because the steak is thinly sliced, it cooks quickly and stays tender. Avoid long cooking times that dry out or toughen the beef. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and cook over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll notice the sauce thickening into a shiny glaze—that’s the magic happening here. Its rich texture will beautifully cling to the beef and broccoli, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 6: Combine Beef, Broccoli, and Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the pan, stirring to coat it evenly with the glossy sauce. Let it cook together for about 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Then add the broccoli back in and toss everything to combine. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm the broccoli through and finish the dish beautifully. Now you have that perfect balance of tender beef and crisp broccoli, enveloped in an irresistibly savory sauce.

How to Serve Beef and Broccoli Recipe

A grey pan filled with cooked beef slices and bright green broccoli pieces, all covered in shiny brown sauce. The beef pieces are thin and tender looking, mixed evenly with fresh broccoli florets that have light green stems. The sauce has a smooth texture, coating the meat and vegetables lightly, giving a glossy and moist appearance. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish just before serving. The sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and nutty aroma that elevates this classic Beef and Broccoli Recipe, giving it an appealing visual pop and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all the savory sauce. You can also serve it alongside noodles or a simple Asian-inspired salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, consider serving your Beef and Broccoli Recipe in lettuce cups or alongside steamed bao buns for an interactive meal. Another idea is to plate it over a bed of cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb while still packed with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Broccoli keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. For best results, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without drying out the beef. Alternatively, use a microwave, but cover the dish and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari soy sauce. This substitution won’t affect the flavor drastically and keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli is preferred for its texture and vibrant color, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid sogginess. Add it at the end of cooking to keep some crunch.

How spicy is this Beef and Broccoli Recipe?

This recipe is mildly savory without a spicy kick. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil when cooking the sauce.

Can I prepare parts of the Beef and Broccoli Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can slice and marinate the beef a few hours ahead, and even prepare the sauce mixture in advance. This makes the actual cooking quicker and less stressful during mealtime.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Broccoli Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or whenever you want to impress without fuss. Give it a try—you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, perfectly balanced, and sure to become a go-to in your kitchen rotation!